PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES TODAY ON PROPOSED WATERS OF THE U.S. RULE

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) proposed a new set of rules that seeks to define the waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This new set of rules are necessary after court rulings have made it unclear as to which bodies of water have to abide by the CWA.
More specifically, the proposed rule clarifies that under the Clean Water Act: • Most seasonal and rain-dependent streams are protected. • Wetlands near rivers and streams are protected. • There will also be case by case analysis to determine if protection is necessary for some waters that are not as clear cut.
The EPA and ACOE have been accepting public comments on the proposed rule since its release in mid-April. However, the public comment period closes today, November 14th. So if you have not yet submitted your comments but would like to do so, today is your last chance!
It is critical that sportsmen and women speak out in support of this rulemaking to protect fish and wildlife habitat and the future of our outdoor heritage. We encourage and appreciate our members weighing in on this important topic.
To submit your comments or to find out more about the rule, please visit the EPA website.